Box Score

Tournament MVP Derek Hall exploded for 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in the second half as the Albright College men's basketball team defeated Randolph-Macon (ranked #2 regionally in last year's final rankings) 69-58, Saturday in the championship game of the Wyndham-Reading Tip-Off Tournament.

Hall finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds on the day. Point guard Sam Marrella had 11 second-half points as the Lions broke open a game that was tied at the break; he finished with 11 points and four assists.

Cornell Mickens was in double-figures with 10 points, while Kyle Jordan and Shane Irwin each pulled down eight rebounds.

With the game tied 32-32 at the half, Marrella ran off six consecutive points to put Albright ahead and force RMC to call timeout. Hall then converted a tip-in and Irwin drained a three-pointer as the hosts' barrage continued.

By the time Mickens stole the ball and layed it in on the break, Albright was on a 13-0 run that put them ahead 49-37 and in firm control of the contest.

Several unsung heroes off the bench contributed in the second half, including guard Devin Brown. The freshman was a jolt of electricity in crunch time, including a big steal for a lay-in and the foul. Pedro Perez also contributed with some huge second half minutes off the bench, and reserve Tom Paul swiped the ball away and fed Hall for a crucial and-one that gave Albright an imposing 57-42 lead midway through the second period.

Albright had taken an early 12-6 lead with points on three consecutive possessions. Jordan was fouled on the break but still converted the bucket and although he missed the freebie, he did convert on another fast break two possessions later. Sandwiched in between those plays was a three-pointer by Paul.

With 9:30 remaining in the first half, Mickens drained a three-pointer with a hand in his face to make it 22-13 Albright. Perez then took a charge and two minutes later completed a three-point play to keep the Lions ahead, 26-19.

Despite being put under pressure from the get-go, the Yellow Jackets stayed close with clutch outside shooting, including several big first-half shots from forward Lamar Giggetts.

Giggetts finished with a team-high 18 points for Randolph-Macon. Adam Desgain had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Dylan Cole had four steals.

Named to the All-Tournament team with Hall were Mickens, Marrella, Giggetts, Desgain and Rutgers-Newark's Al'Don Muhammed. Newark beat Penn College 86-47 in the consolation game.

Albright improves to 2-0 and will host King's on Tuesday night.